Friday, December 16, 2016

Here is Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal sparring at Floyd Mayweather's gym that was filmed by Fight Hub TV. King Mo (20-5) will return to action at Rizen FC 3 after winning a decision over Satoshi Ishii in his last bout.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

Here is Vitaly Bigdash fighting Igor Svirid fighting for the One FC Middleweight title at One FC 32 - Tigers of Asia which took place on 10/9/15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Bigdash (8-0) will return from a year layoff to defend the title against Marcin Prachnio (12-2) on January 14, 2017. The well rounded Russian fighter appears to have been training in Thailand since the bout.

Friday, December 9, 2016

Sitting at 10-0-1 in 1995 3 UFC tournament championships under his belt, Royce Gracie was far and away the most popular MMA/NHB fighter at the time. Royce fought to a draw at UFC 5 with Ken Shamrock and wouldn't fight again until a Pride match-up with Nobuhiko Takada at the Pride Grand Prix 2000.

Here is the challenge Royce issued to Mike Tyson that was pending on the Gracie family website in 1997. The Gracie family had open challenges against those in other martial arts disciplines throughout the 1990's as seen below. (click to enlarge)

Here is the classic Gracie Challenge no holds barred fight between Royce Gracie and Jason Delucia. Delucia turned in a solid NHB/MMA career going 33-21-1 with wins over Masakatsu Funaki, Chris Lytle, Minowaman and Takafumi Ito.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Here is KJ Noons against Charles "Krazy Horse" Bennett fighting in the short lived Elite XC promotion which took place on 2/10/07 in Southaven, Mississippi.

Noons, a former pro boxer, has career victories over Sam Stout, Nick Diaz, Yves Edwards and Conor Heun. He last fought in the UFC, dropping a decision to Josh Burkman. Bennett is also preparing for a comeback.

Bennett is coming off a 7 second KO of Minoru Kimura in Rizen FC. His biggest victory was a KO of Yoshihiro Maeda at Pride Bushido 7. At 30-30, Bennett always brings it, though he does get submitted fairly regularly.

*This is the best version currently available, others have been taken down. Starts at :48.

Here is a judo bout pitting Morgane Ribout against Nae Udaka which took place in Paris at 2010.

Morgane Ribout is a 28 year old world judo champion who retired in 2014. Competing primarily at 57 kg (125 pounds) it will be interesting to see if Ribout moves down to 115 when she begins her MMA career. Spoiler alert, awesome throw at 7:14.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

With a flair for the dramatic, you just have to root for recently retired MMA star Genki Sudo (15-4, 2-1 UFC), with many other fights in different disciplines. As soon as you notice something is getting a little too crazy in the arena, Genki is probably coming.

Genki was always an entertaining crowd favorite with his elaborate entrances including as a dancing baseball player, bucket head, geisha; energetic unorthodox striking skills, and awesome submission and grappling displays. He never appeared to be serious on the mat, flowing and grooving as he used his electric skills.

Genki fought mainly under Pancrase and K1 Hero's in Japan, with a brief two fight stop at the UFC. His big wins came over Nathan Marquardt, Royler Gracie, Butterbean, Victor Hunsaker, Mike Thomas Brown, Damacio Page, Leigh Remedios (awesome win at UFC 38), Kazuyuki Miyata and Hiroyuki "Streetfight Bancho" Takaya. He also had infamous kickboxing bouts and was a very creative grappler.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Here is Jeff Glover grappling against Daniel Hortegas at ADCC 2015. Glover is a 3rd degree BJJ black belt training out of Victory MMA. He has competed in Metamoris as well, most notably coming out from the announcing table to grapple Baret Yoshida in a surprise bout.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Here are UFC veterans Ricardo Almeida and David Terrell in the Bronze medal ADCC grappling match from 2003. The bout took place at the Ibirapuera Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

David Terrell (5-2, 2-1 UFC) was a Cezar Gracie prodigy who broke thru quickly with his high level BJJ and knockout power. He armbarred Joey Villasenor in his second bout before KO'ing Yuki Sasaki in Pancrase and tapping Osami Shibuta via rear naked choke.

In his UFC debut, he KO'd Matt Lindand in 24 seconds prompting UFC to send him into a middleweight title fight against Evan Tanner. Terrell had a tight guillotine in the first but lost the bout. He tapped out Scott Smith in his next and final UFC bout. Terrell has a submission grappling record that includes victories over Dean Lister, David Avellan and Saulo Ribeiro.

Ricardo Almeida (13-5, 6-4 UFC) was the first BJJ blackbelt under Renzo Gracie and dominated through several grappling circles. He holds submission grappling wins over Josh Barnett, Vitor Shaolin and Mike Van Arsdale. Almeida also had success in MMA, fighting in the UFC 8 times. He submitted Nate Marquardt in Pancrase and submitted Matt Brown while taking decisions over Kendall Grove, Ryo Chonan and Matt Horwich.

Dos Caras, Jr. was 3-2 in MMA coming off a victory over UFC veteran Brad Kohler when he was tabbed to fight Mirko Cro Cop at Pride Bushido 1, where he fell to one of the most infamous head kick destructions in MMA.

Pay attention to the arm of Watanabe as Dos Caras, Jr., a Mexican National Greco Roman wrestling team member throws him to the canvas.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Here is Scott Sheely v. Cung Le in a San Shou kickboxing match featured in Strikeforce. At the time, Strikeforce was a kickboxing and full contact karate oriented organization that had events with the ISKA. They would be featured on ESPN 2 from time to time in the mid 90's.

San Shou kickboxing(also known as Sanshou, Sanda and Chinese Kickboxing) combines full contact kickboxing rules with brief takedowns, throws and sweeps.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

For whatever reason, the more dangerous and physically challenging sports seem to be the worst the athletes have it. Baseball players have guaranteed un-capped deals. NBA players will see a proportionate amount of money from a bigger TV deal in that the salary cap will rise concurrently.

NFL players have a 100% injury rate, the same as the UFC. Concussions and sub-concussive trauma are huge concerns. NFL players see 47-48% of revenue from the league. They get an offseason. They can qualify for a pension, have comprehensive health care, doctors, trainers, coaches, gym, food. On the other hand, an NFL team can release a player at any point, in some cases paying out an injury settlement.

UFC COACHES AT UFC APPROVED AFFILIATE GYMS

The UFC would set practice guidelines that each fighter must follow under the direction of a UFC hired coach at a UFC approved gym. Once a fighter has a bout agreement, the fighter has to practice at the gym of an approved coach. Rules would be set for all gyms in how many days can be full contact, how long a fighter can train per day and how many people may be practicing on the mat when a UFC fighter is out there. The gyms would have cleanliness guidelines and several other rules including who can train/spar with a UFC fighter. In theory, we should see less injuries if the fighters aren't overtraining.

UFC RIGHTS

The UFC can cut a fighter at any point for any reason. The UFC can veto any sponsorship deal a fighter might get during employment. Fighters can be disciplined and fine a fighter for a list of possible infractions. Fighters can be fined for conduct detrimental to the league. UFC can set fines for excessive celebration, equipment violations and fouls that might occur in the cage. For example, a knee to a grounded fighter costing a fighter $1,000.

FIGHTER RESPONSIBLIITES

UFC Fighters must subject themselves to media questions once per week during a fight agreement. Fighters must have conference calls with media once per week during the last month of camp. Fighters to be paid a set amount to attend UFC autograph and meet and greet sessions. The fighters are obligated to attend all practice sessions depending on health.

CONTRACT AND BENEFITS

UFC approved trainers would be paid by the UFC at a rate the UFC would negotiate with them. Free meals while under an active fight contract delivered to them by (pick food service that would sponsor). They would be under full comprehensive medical coverage from the point of signing their deal. All fighters would negotiate a signing bonus, monthly stipend and per fight purse in any other additional bonuses. There would be a minimum signing bonus, a minimum bi-weekly amount and a minimum per fight amount. Fighters will a stipend for promotional appearances. Fighters get a set amount of free tickets for friends and family during fights.

RESIDUALS

UFC Fighters would get a share of video game revenue, apparel sales, sponsorship advertising and television revenue. Active fighters get a share of the Fight Pass revenue. Former fighters with injuries suffered in UFC competition can get free health care from those injuries. Pensions are available based on certain amount of fights in the UFC.

HOW WOULD IT WORK FOR DIFFERENT FIGHTERS?

Your 10-1 Iowa welterweight prospect who is signed to replace an injured fighter. He gets $5,000 bonus, $2,000 monthly contract and a $10/10K bout agreement. He currently trains out of a small gym in Des Moines. He chooses out of a list to train at Roufus Sport. The fighter is responsible for finding a place to live, in theory with his signing bonus. The UFC pays Roufus all training expenses, pays for all medicals and gets him a free gourmet healthy meal delivered each day. At the fight he does well, but loses a decision. He goes back to Iowa, collects $2,000 for the month after the fight while training in Iowa. He then signs another bout agreement and but decides on training with Greg Jackson this time as a spot opened up at his gym.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Here is Denis "The Russian Bogatyr" Goltsov fighting UFC veteran Paul Buentello at ACB 41 - Path to Triumph which took place on 6/15/16 in Sochi, Russia.

Goltsov is a 6'5" legit kickboxing prospect whose 13 fight win streak includes stoppages over Mike Kyle, James McSweeney, Brett Rogers and Roy Boughton. With heavyweight prospects in short supply, Goltsov is a interesting guy to keep an eye on.

Sunday, June 26, 2016

Here is Daniel Cormier fighting Tony Johnson for the King of the Cage heavyweight title on 8/13/10 in Mescalero, New Mexico. King of the Cage airs live on HDNet. Cormier was on the 2004 and 2008 USA Olympic teams and was an NCAA wrestling runner-up with Oklahoma State in 2001.

Cormier (17-1, 6-1 UFC) next fights at UFC 200 defending the LHW title against Jon Jones (22-1, 16-1 UFC) who was stripped of said title after his most recent brush with the law. Cormier lost a decision to Jones at UFC 182.

The fight starts at the 8:45 mark. At 10:00 you will see Cormier use an attempted Johnson takedown into one of his own. After that you can see the elite body positioning and grappling that Cormier possesses.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Here is Sean Loeffler fighting Aaron Brink at Gladiator Challange - MMA Smackdown which took place on 4/2/16 in El Cajon, California.

Loeffler (30-5) a 16 year fight veteran has mainly fought in California during his career, having one bout in Bellator. Aaron Brink (26-26) has been a pro since 1998, appearing in the UFC, WEC and Rings. Brink also had a well publicized drug problem, chronicled in the A&E show Intervention.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Gracie (15-2) recently came out of retirement to TKO Ken Shamrock who complained of a low blow after the bout. Rowan meanwhile came back for a kickboxing bout against Bob Sapp in Rizen NYE where he lost due to a cut on his head. The fight starts at 3:00.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Matt Riddle (10-3) appears to have officially retired from MMA and decided to pursue a career in pro wrestling. He currently is in the "underground" phase of wrestling, taking part in the warehouse type events.

At his best, Riddle was a dominant top control type grappler with solid ground and pound, winning over Michael Kuiper, John Maguire and Dan Cramer. He also had a wicked KO in his fight to get into the house on TUF season 7.

I was recently asked about the depth of the women's divisions in the UFC and whether or not there are any intriguing prospects existed outside the organization. Like the HW and flyweight divisions on the men's side, the women's divisions need more prospects. The key is to get fighters in the organization, give them fights, and find out if they are legit. Having fighters sit on the sidelines will only hurt the division.

Here is a look at some of the prospects who should be very close to getting the call:

135 Pound Prospects

Tonya Evinger (18-5) the 34 year old Evinger has been on the women's MMA scene since 2006. After coming up short at but recently has strung together 9 straight wins and capturing the Invicta title. A college wrestler, Evinger recently TKO'd Pannie Kinzaid, then 8-0, and has career victories over Julie Kedzie, Ediane Gomes and Carina Damm.

Taila Santos (13-0) the 22 year old has been tearing up Santa Catarina, Brazil fight scene. She has 8 T/KO's and 2 submission wins on her resume. Her best victory was probably over Gisele Moreira. For some reason, she hasn't fought since August 16, 2015.

Elina Kallionidou (4-0) the 17 year old Greek fighter has fought exclusively in Athens thus far in her career. In her last 2 bouts, she defeated Foteini Kromida, then 4-0, and Roxane Teixeira, then 4-2.

125 Pound Prospects

Barb Honchak (10-2)- the current Invicta flyweight champ has gone undefeated since 2 decision losses in 2010 to UFC fighers Cat Zingano and Angela Magana. She has wins over UFC veterans Leslie Smith, Aisling Daly and Roxanne Modafferi. At 36 years old, a cut to 115 would be difficult to say the least.

Vanessa Porto (18-7)- the Brazilian has been on fire lately with 3 straight quality wins after a decision loss to Barb Honchak. A little on the short side at 5'2" you would expect Porto could make the 115 pound limit. Porto has career wins over Tonya Evinger, Roxanne Modafferi, Germaine de Randamie, Tara LaRosa and former Bellator champ Zoila Frausto.

Alex Grasso (7-0)- the 22 year old Mexican fighter has won 3 straight in Invicta, most recently defeating Mizuki Inoue (9-3) via decision.

Livia Renata Souza (9-1)- the Brazilian recently KO'd DeAnna Bennett then 8-1 and beforehand submitted Katja Kankaanpaa via 4th round triangle choke handing the Finn her first loss. She is generally ranked in the top 5 now, but then lost a split decision to UFC veteran Angela Hill.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Here is Sergei Kharitonov fighting Andrei Arlovski in the Strikeforce Grand Prix which took place on 2/12/11 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Kharitonov (23-5) is set to make his Bellator debut against Josh Appelt (12-5) on May 14th. Kharitonov has won 5 straight since a submission loss to Josh Barnett. He has career wins over Alistair Overeem, Ninja Rua and Fabricio Werdum.

Arlovkski (25-11) next fights Alistair Overeem at UFN 87 on May 8th. He had his 6 fight win streak snapped by Stipe Miocic at UFC 195.

Here is Mike Tyson, then 34-0 with the WBA and WBC titles, boxing Michael Spinks, then 31-0 with the IBF heavyweight title, for the WBC, WBA and IBF light heavyweight titles.

Spinks, a hall of fame boxer, had the united the WBA, WBC, IBF light heavyweight titles before moving up and defeating Jim MacDonald for the IBF heavyweight title. He would defend against Larry Holmes and Stephen Tangstad. This bout would be Spinks last time boxing.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Here is Kimbo Slice v. Ray Mercer in an exhibition bout contested under MMA rules at CFFC 5 which took place on 6/23/07 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. It is believed that because the match was classified as an exhibition, it isn't officially in many record books.

Kimbo will next fight Dada 5000 at Bellator 149 which takes place on 2/19/16.

Monday, February 1, 2016

Here is Holly Holm fighting Allanna Jones at Legacy FC 21 which took place on 7/19/13 in Houston, Texas. Holm trains out of Jackson-Winklejohn and has a pro boxing record of 33-2-3.

Holm (10-0, 3-0 UFC) shocked the world as she destroyed Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 with a perfectly placed kick to the jaw. Prior to that kick, Holm had Rousey's number landing with counter lefts, elbows, kicks and even scored a takedown. It was by far the best Holm looked after previously winning twice via decision against Raquel Pennington and Marion Reneau in her UFC bouts.

Holm next fights Miesha Tate (17-5, 4-2 UFC) at UFC 196 in her first title defense.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Here is Vladimir Mineev fighting 13 year veteran Xavier Foupa-Pokam at Fight Night - Battle of Moscow 19 which took place on 6/11/15.

Mineev (5-0) is an interesting middleweight prospect with an extensive kickboxing record having won titles in WKN, WKA and WAKO-Pro heavyweight divisions. Kickboxing records not involving K-1 are notoriously sketchy, and while his is listed at 24-2, he likely has a few unrecorded bouts. Mineev's grappling will need to improve dramatically to make it to the next level.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Here is Matt Hughes fighting Dennis Hallman from Extreme Challenge 21 which took place on 10/17/98 in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Hallman (53-19) has had an interesting career with 41 recorded submission victories. He has career wins over Ben Saunders, John Makdessi, Karo Parisyan and twice over Matt Hughes.

Hughes (45-9) is a UFC Hall of Famer and one of the best to ever fight in MMA. While defeating plenty of elite fighters in his day and having some of the most iconic moments in the UFC, Hallman had his number.

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